Re-certification system for a flow control apparatus

ABSTRACT

A flow control apparatus includes a flow control apparatus adapted to load a re-certification feeding set. The apparatus further includes a software subsystem in communication with the flow control apparatus having a re-certification procedure that determines whether a user has performed manual tests on the apparatus to verify that at least one component of the apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range. The subsystem disables automatic testing if it determines that manual testing has not been performed and executes a reiterative process prompting the user to conduct manual testing if the subsystem determines that manual testing has been performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED CASES

This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/854,008 filed May 25, 2004, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a flow control apparatus adapted toload with a re-certification feeding set.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Administering fluids containing medicine or nutrition to a patient isgenerally well known in the art. Typically, fluid is delivered to thepatient by a re-certification feeding set loaded to a flow controlapparatus, such as a pump, connected to a source of fluid which deliversfluid to a patient at a controlled rate of delivery. However, there is aneed in the art for an improved flow control apparatus having arecertification procedure that verifies at least one component of theflow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operationalrange.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a flow control apparatusgenerally comprises a flow control apparatus adapted to load are-certification feeding set. The apparatus further comprises a softwaresubsystem in communication with the flow control apparatus comprising are-certification procedure that determines whether a user has performedmanual tests on the apparatus to verify that at least one component ofthe apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range.The subsystem disables automatic testing if it determines that manualtesting has not been performed and executes a reiterative processprompting the user to conduct manual testing if the subsystem determinesthat manual testing has been performed.

In another aspect of the present invention, a flow control apparatusgenerally comprises a flow control apparatus adapted to load are-certification feeding set. The apparatus further comprises a sensorfor sensing the loading of the re-certification feeding set to the flowcontrol apparatus. A software subsystem is in operative association withthe sensor. The software subsystem comprises a re-certificationprocedure to verify that at least one component of the flow controlapparatus related to driving fluid through the re-certification feedingset is functioning within a predetermined operational range.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary flow control apparatusaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the flow control apparatus having are-certification feeding set loaded thereto according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating the elements of theflow control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a re-certification procedure according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4A is another sub-routine of the flow chart shown in FIG. 4according to the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a sub-routine of the flow chart shown in FIG. 4 according tothe present invention; and

FIGS. 5A-I illustrate the sequence of screens shown to the user by theflow control apparatus to operate the recertification procedureaccording to the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of the flow control apparatusaccording to the present invention is illustrated and generallyindicated as 10 in FIGS. 1-3. Flow control apparatus 10 comprises are-certification procedure that is capable of verifying that at leastone component of the flow control apparatus 10 is functioning within apredetermined operational range when a re-certification feeding set 14is loaded to the flow control apparatus 10. The re-certification feedingset 14 includes tubing 56 engaged to a valve mechanism 28 and mountingmember 74 that load the re-certification feeding set 14 to the flowcontrol apparatus 10 for driving fluid through the tubing 56 fordelivery to a patient. As used herein the term load means that the valvemechanism 28 and mounting member 74 are engaged to the flow controlapparatus 10 and tubing 56 is in a stretched condition between valvemechanism 28 and mounting member 74 such that the re-certificationfeeding set 14 is ready for operation with flow control apparatus 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary flow control apparatus 10according to the present invention comprises a housing 20 adapted forloading the re-certification feeding set 14 to the flow controlapparatus 10. Flow control apparatus 10 comprises a main recess 21covered by a main door 136 and includes first and second recesses 58 and60 for providing sites that are adapted to load the re-certificationfeeding set 14 to the flow control apparatus 10. Preferably, a means fordriving fluid, such as a rotor 26, is rotatably engaged through housing20 and adapted to engage tubing 56 such that tubing 56 is in a stretchedcondition between first and second recesses 58, 60 when the valvemechanism 28 and mounting member 74 are engaged to the flow controlapparatus 10.

As used herein, the portion of tubing 56 of recertification feeding set14 leading to rotor 26 is termed upstream, while the portion of tubing56 leading away from rotor 26 is termed downstream. Accordingly,rotation of rotor 26 compresses tubing 56 and provides a means fordriving fluid from the upstream to the downstream side of there-certification feeding set 14 for delivery to a patient. The presentinvention contemplates that any flow control apparatus having a meansfor driving fluid may be used, such as a linear peristaltic pump,bellows pump, turbine pump, rotary peristaltic pump, and displacementpump

Referring to FIG. 1, flow control apparatus 10 further comprises a userinterface 40 that assists the user to operatively interface with theflow control apparatus 10. A display 70, in operative association with aplurality of buttons 138 positioned along an overlay 66, provide theuser a means to interact with a microprocessor 62 to operate there-certification procedure of the present invention.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a softwaresubsystem 36 operates the re-certification procedure that is capable ofverifying that at least one component of flow control apparatus 10 isfunctioning within a predetermined operational range once are-certification feeding set 14 (FIG. 3) is loaded thereto.

The re-certification feeding set 14 comprises a mounting member 74having one or more identification members 76 attached thereto thatdesignate the re-certification feeding set 14 as having are-certification configuration to microprocessor 62 when sensed by flowcontrol apparatus 10. Once the user loads the re-certification feedingset 14 to flow control apparatus 10, the sensor 30 senses the presenceof the mounting member 74 engaged to the second recess 60 due to thelocation of one or more identification members 76 attached to themounting member 74 and signals software subsystem 36 to initiate therecertification procedure that verifies that at least one component ofthe flow control apparatus 10 is functioning within a predeterminedoperational range. Preferably identification members 76 are magneticcomponents, or in the alternative, magnetically-susceptible metalliccomponents capable of being sensed by sensor 30 without requiring directphysical contact with sensor 30. Sensor 30 is preferably a Hall-effectsensor or other type of proximity sensor that is positioned near thesecond recess 60 such that sensor 30 can sense the presence of one ormore identification members 76 when the mounting member 74 is engaged tosecond recess 60.

Referring to FIG. 3 software subsystem 36 directs flow 20 controlapparatus 10 to perform various manual and automatic tests related toverifying that at least one component of the flow control apparatus 10is functioning within a predetermined operational range. For example,components of the flow control apparatus 10 that may be tested duringthe re-certification 25 procedure can be the user interface 40, LEDlights 86, sensor 30, rotor 26, valve mechanism 28, single motor source44 and gear arrangement 34. In operation, the user loads arecertification feeding set 14 to the flow control apparatus 10 in themanner as described above and illustrated in FIG. 2 in order to initiatethe re-certification procedure.

Once the mounting member 74 is engaged to the second recess 60 and thepresence of the mounting member 74 is sensed by the sensor 30, thesoftware subsystem 36 initiates the recertification procedure thatinstructs the microprocessor 62 to verify that at least one component offlow control apparatus 10 is functioning within a predeterminedoperational range.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-I the user will be instructed to follow a sequenceof screens displayed on user interface 40 that controls there-certification procedure. In addition, the software subsystem 36performs a manual test for verifying that certain components arefunctioning properly and an automatic test that operates rotor 26 inorder to drive a predetermined volume of fluid through there-certification feeding set 14 to evaluate the performance ofcomponents of the flow control apparatus 10 that relate to the functionof driving fluid through feeding set 14 by flow control apparatus 10.After these tests have been successfully performed, the user interface40 is provided with a determination whether the components tested by theflow control apparatus 10 are functioning within a predeterminedoperational range.

Software subsystem 36 in operative association with microprocessor 62determines through a series of decision points and steps whether atleast one component of the flow control apparatus 10 is functioningwithin a predetermined operational range.

Referring to the flow charts in FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, the various decisionpoints and steps executed by software subsystem 36 under there-certification procedure are illustrated. Software subsystem 36directs flow control apparatus 10 to initiate a re-certificationprocedure when the re-certification feeding set 14 is loaded to the flowcontrol apparatus 10.

At step 302, the software subsystem 36 reads database 134 to determinewhether prior automatic and manual tests have been recently performed onthe flow control apparatus 10 to determine whether components arefunctioning within a predetermined operational range. After thisdetermination is made, software subsystem 36 at decision point 304determines whether the re-certification feeding set 14 has been loadedto flow control apparatus 10 and sensed by sensor 30 when the mountingmember 74 is engaged to second recess 60. If no re-certification feedingset 14 is sensed, then at step 306 the software subsystem againdetermines whether the manual and automatic tests have been performed.

At step 308, if neither the manual nor automatic tests have beenperformed, then the user interface 40 displays screen 400 (FIG. 5A)instructing the user to load the re-certification feeding set 14 to theflow control apparatus 10. At step 310, the user loads there-certification feeding set 14 in the same manner described above forre-certification feeding set 14. If both the automatic and manual testshave been performed as determined at decision point 306, then at step312 the software subsystem 36 instructs the flow control apparatus 10 toenter normal operation.

If at decision point 304, the re-certification feeding set 14 isdetermined to be loaded, then at decision point 316, the softwaresubsystem 36 re-confirms whether the re-certification feeding set 14 isactually loaded to the flow control apparatus 10. If there-certification feeding set 14 is not loaded, then at step 318 screen400 (FIG. 5A) is shown again instructing the user to load there-certification feeding set 14 to the flow control apparatus 10. Atstep 320, the user loads the re-certification feeding set 14 asinstructed. Once step 320 is completed, screen 402 (FIG. 5B) is shown tothe user at step 322 for displaying the main screen for performing themanual test according to the present invention.

At decision point 324, the software subsystem 36 determines whether themanual test has been performed. If not, then at step 326 button 510 forinitiating the automatic test is hidden and disabled and softwaresubsystem 36 proceeds to step 328. If the manual test has beenperformed, then at step 328, a re-iterative process subroutine B isexecuted at step 331 where the user is instructed to perform variousmanual tests for verifying that tested components of flow controlapparatus 10 are functioning within a predetermined operational range byactuating buttons 500, 502, 506, and 508 at screen 402. These manualtests verify that the battery, LED light display, sound system, andsensor are functioning within a predetermined operational range as shallbe discussed in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 4B the various decision points and steps executed bythe software subsystem 36 when performing the various manual tests undersubroutine B as well as the various screens and buttons presented to theuser at user interface 40 for accomplishing the same are illustrated. Atstep 600, the user selects button 500 at screen 402 (FIG. 5B) whichdisplays a buzzer test screen 404 (FIG. 5C) at step 602 which provides ameans for verifying that the buzzer (not shown) or other sound system offlow control apparatus 10 is functioning within a predeterminedoperational range. The buzzer is then activated for the user to hear atstep 604. At decision point 606, the user is queried whether the buzzerwas heard and the user then presses either button 514 to signify YES orbutton 516 to signify NO or NOT SURE. At step 608, when the user pressesbutton 514 software subsystem 36 verifies that button 514 is functionaland also confirms the re-certification of the buzzer. If button 516 ispressed, at step 330 software subsystem 36 determines whether all of themanual tests have been performed and passed at step 330. If the softwaresubsystem 36 enters step 330 because other manual tests are yet to beperformed a reiterative process 331 is entered for performing the othermanual tests under subroutine B.

At step 610, if the user selects button 502 at screen 402 then an LEDTest screen 406 (FIG. 5D) is displayed at step 612 which provides ameans for verifying that the LED lights 86 on user interface 40 arefunctioning within a predetermined operational range. The microprocessor62 has LED lights 86 cycle through the red, yellow and green LED lights86 at step 614. At decision point 616 the user is queried whether theLED lights 86 are actually cycling and the user presses either button520 to signify YES or button 522 signifying NO. If the user pressesbutton 520 then at step 618 the software subsystem 36 verifies thatbutton 520 is operable and also re-certifies that LED lights 86 arefunctioning within a predetermined operational range. However, if theuser presses button 522 then the software subsystem 36 at step 330enters re-iterative process 331 for performing the other manual testsunder subroutine B.

At step 622, if the user selects button 506 at screen 402 a screen 408(FIG. 5E) is displayed at step 624 which provides step-by-stepinstructions to the user for performing a battery test on the battery(not shown) that provides power to the flow control apparatus 10. Thesestep-by-step instructions instruct the user to disconnect AC power tothe flow control apparatus 10 which will cause the LED lights 86 to dim.At decision point 626 the software subsystem 36 determines whether thebattery is dead, or in a minimal or critical charge based uponpredetermined values stored in database 134. If the battery is dead, orin a minimal or critical charge the software subsystem 36 at step 632activates an alarm. After the alarm has been activated, the user is theninstructed to reconnect the AC power to the flow control apparatus 10 atstep 628. However, if the battery is not dead, or in a minimal orcritical charge then software subsystem 36 enters re-iterative process331 for performing the other manual tests at step 328.

At step 634, if the user selects button 508 at screen 402 then a screen410 (FIG. 5F) is displayed at step 636 which provides instructions tothe user for performing a manual test which verifies that sensor 30 cansense the loading of the re-certification feeding set 14 to the secondrecess 60, and in particular sensing the engagement of the mountingmember 74 to second recess 60. Screen 410 instructs the user to removethe re-certification feeding set 14 from the flow control apparatus 10at step 638. Once the sensor 30 senses the removal of re-certificationfeeding set 14 from the flow control apparatus 10, the buzzer is soundedat step 640 by the software subsystem 36. At step 642, the user reloadsthe re-certification feeding set 14A to the flow control apparatus 10 asdescribed above. Once the re-certification feeding set 14A is loaded,the software subsystem 36 activates the buzzer, verifies that the sensor30 can sense the engagement of the mounting member 74 to the secondrecess 60, and confirms that button 508 is operational. A button 530 isprovided at screen 410 to cancel this procedure if so desired by theuser.

Once it is confirmed that all of the manual tests have been performed atdecision point 330, software subsystem 36 at step 332 displays andenables button 510 at screen 402 for allowing the user to start theautomatic test during execution of a subroutine C at step 334.

At step 334 the automatic test is performed under subroutine C. The userfirst presses button 510 at screen 402 to begin the automatic test whichprovides a re-certification procedure that verifies that at least onecomponent of the flow control apparatus 10 related to driving fluidthrough the re-certification feeding set 14, such as the rotor 26, geararrangement 34 and single motor source 44, are functioning within apredetermined operational range. A screen 412 (FIG. 5G) is shown to theuser that displays an “IN PROGRESS” message to the user signifying thatthe automatic test is being performed by software subsystem 36 at step702. Once the automatic test is initiated, the software subsystem 36determines at decision point 704 whether the automatic test has beensuccessful.

If the automatic test is not successful, then at step 706, the softwaresubsystem 36 transmits test data over a serial port (not shown) of theflow control apparatus 10 to an external computer (not shown). At step708, the software subsystem 36 displays a “RE-CERTIFICATION FAILURE”message to the user at screen 416 (FIG. 5I). After the message isdisplayed, at step 716 the user presses button 532 in order to powerdown the flow control apparatus 10 to complete subroutine C.

If the automatic test is successful, then at step 710, the softwaresubsystem 36 saves the automatic test results to database 134. Once theautomatic test results are saved, at step 712 the software subsystem 36transmits test data over the serial port of the flow control apparatus10 to the external computer.

After completion, a screen 414 (FIG. 5H) is shown to the user thatdisplays a “RE-CERTIFICATION COMPLETE” message to the user at step 714.The software subsystem 36 at step 716 then instructs the user to powerdown the flow control apparatus 10 which completes the procedure of there-certification system 12 according to the present invention.

It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particularembodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,various modifications can be made thereto without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as will be apparent to those skilledin the art.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1. A flow control apparatus comprising: a flow control apparatus adaptedto load a re-certification feeding set; and a software subsystem incommunication with the flow control apparatus comprising are-certification procedure that determines whether a user has performedmanual tests on the apparatus to verify that at least one component ofthe apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range,the subsystem disabling automatic testing if it determines that manualtesting has not been performed and executing a reiterative processprompting the user to conduct manual testing if the subsystem determinesthat manual testing has been performed.
 2. A flow control apparatus asset forth in claim 1 wherein the software subsystem prompts the user toconduct manual testing after the automatic testing is disabled.
 3. Aflow control apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the manual testsverify that a battery of the flow control apparatus is functioningwithin a predetermined operational range.
 4. A flow control apparatus asset forth in claim 2 wherein the manual tests verify that an LED lightdisplay of the flow control apparatus is functioning within apredetermined operational range.
 5. A flow control apparatus as setforth in claim 2 wherein the manual tests verify that a sound system ofthe flow control apparatus is functioning within a predeterminedoperational range.
 6. A flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 2wherein the manual tests verify that a sensor of the flow controlapparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range.
 7. Aflow control apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the softwaresubsystem enables automatic testing after a confirmation that the manualtests have been performed, the subsystem prompting the user to conductthe automatic tests to verify that at least one component of theapparatus related to driving fluid through the re-certification feedingset is functioning within a predetermined operational range.
 8. A flowcontrol apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the automatic testsverify that a rotor of the flow control apparatus is functioning withina predetermined operational range.
 9. A flow control apparatus as setforth in claim 7 wherein the automatic tests verify that a geararrangement of the flow control apparatus is functioning within apredetermined operational range.
 10. A flow control apparatus as setforth in claim 7 wherein the automatic tests verify that a motor sourceof the flow control apparatus is functioning within a predeterminedoperational range.
 11. A flow control apparatus as set forth in claim 7wherein if the subsystem determines that the automatic tests weresuccessful the subsystem saves the results to a database, displays are-certification complete message, and prompts the user to power downthe apparatus, and if the subsystem determines that the automatic testswere unsuccessful the subsystem displays a re-certification failuremessage and prompts the user to power down the apparatus.
 12. A flowcontrol apparatus comprising: a flow control apparatus adapted to load are-certification feeding set; a sensor for sensing the loading of there-certification feeding set to the flow control apparatus; and asoftware subsystem in operative association with the sensor, wherein thesoftware subsystem comprises a re-certification procedure to verify thatat least one hardware component of the flow control apparatus related todriving fluid through the re-certification feeding set is functioningwithin a predetermined operational range.
 13. A flow control apparatusas set forth in claim 12 wherein the at least one hardware component isone of a rotor, gear arrangement and motor of the apparatus.